[1] It was said to be the "editorially boldest" of the Toronto press,[1] and was notable for its irreverence, noisy exposés of civic corruption, skilful skirting of the libel laws, and opposition to the religious establishment.

"[2] During the 1880 byelection for West Toronto, Maclean was approached by city alderman Peter Ryan to form an evening newspaper to support his campaign as the Liberal candidate.

[2] When the World published rumours in 1894 about the health of Prime Minister Sir John Thompson (which were subsequently confirmed by reports of his fatal heart attack at Windsor Castle), fellow Tories felt he had tried to destroy the party by making it look vulnerable and never forgave him.

Known for being unpredictably independent, he campaigned in the House and the World for a Bank of Canada, a national currency, the public ownership of railways, hydroelectricity, and telephones, a uniform passenger rate on trains, the rejection of reciprocity, a Canadian-made constitution and a Canadian head of state.

[1][12] The World always experienced cash flow problems during its existence, as Maclean drew profits from it to fund his other interests as a politician, horse breeder, and land speculator.

[2] The Globe described him as being the "poorest of business men",[1] but in 1913 the Canadian Courier described him as "the only newspaper proprietor who was ever unable to pay all salaries regularly and publish a paper and remain popular.